The National tribune., 1887-05-12
CHAMPION HILLS.


Col. Fred Grant Corrected By Illinois Comrads,
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Col. Fred
Grants articles on the Vicksburg campaign
deeply interested me. He has, however, fallen
into common mistake in regard to the posi-
ton OF CrOcker's Division at the battle OF
champion Hills, which should be- corrected.
Speaking of HOvey's repulse in the early para
OF the engagement, he says.
Gen. Grant rode a short distance On the lon nm.
parently much disturbed over the pressure broughk
upon his soldiers, though showing no excitement,
then returning to the right of Hoveys Division h.,
met the head of Crocker's Division. This divisifr
was Immediately put into action on Hovey's right:
then Logan came up and marched still farther 70
the right, etc.
Be it known unto you, Mr.. Editor and to
your numerous readers, that two brigades OF
Gen. LOgan's Division had engaged the enemy
on Hoveys right before Quimby'S Division
commanded by Gen. Croker, in the temporary
absence of Quimby) arrived upon the field.
On the morning of May is, 1863, Hovey was
IN the advance on the jackson road, followed
by Logan, who in turn was followed by Croker
Hovey was met by the enemys skirmishers
near Champion Hills He deployed his divis-
ion on the left or south side Of the road. At
the foot of the hill the road turned almost at
a right angle to the SOUTH assembled the east
ern slope of the hill half mile or more. then
turned again to the west. As Hoyey advanced
TO the west, the greater part of his division
crossed the road where it assembled the hill.
LOgan's Division advanced TO the angle in the
road at the foot of the hill and kent straight
on west IN an open field. and took position
about one-fourth of a mile from the angle
facing south. McGinnis's Brigade formed the
right of H0vey's Division, and Stacks the left
Leggetts Brigade of LOgan's Division con-
neeted with McGinniss right and John Il.
Smiths, with the right Of Leggett's
HOvey's Division faced to the west, except a
part of Mc(IinniSz Rrigada which f,oo1 e.. a..
south after it had crossed the road that assembled
the hill. After Hovey had advanced to the
top OF the hill he was forced back bv superior
numbers of the enemy beyond this north ard
south road. At this ijuncture Crocker arrived
and reinforced Hoyey instead of forming on
his right, or between Hovey and Logan. There
may have been an interval or gap made be-
tween part of McGinnis's Brigade and tha
rest of the division by the repulse, which
Croeker filed with part of his forces There
was current report and general impression at
the time among the other divisions that Crocker,
with HOveys corporation, fought on the same
ground over which Hoyey had fought earlier
in the day.
The 34th Ind. was on the extreme right Of
Hovey's, and connected with the Both III. ON
the extreme left of LOgans Division None of
Crockers troops were between these two regi-
ments Manyliving witnesses can verify this
assertion who were eye and ear wi theses of
Gen. Logan's heroic and successful efforts to
rally the 34th Ind. when giving way before the
murderOus volleys of the Confederates. Farther
to the left battery was captured, presumably
by the 11th Ind, judging from the long grave
OF their slain that occupied part of the site
where said battery was posted
Col. Grant may have received his impression
that Logan came on the field after Croker
from the fact that Stevenson's Brigade, of Lo-
gans Division, was in reserve and was not
ordered up to take position until the battle had
progressed for some time. These criticisms are
written with view to have any mistakes on
errors corrected before all the actors who par
ticipated in the bloody fray have passed away.
An account by Pap McGinnis." if alive, Gen.
Hovey or any of the survivors of either Hovey's
or Crocker's Division in regard to the contro-
versy would be very desirable. Let US have this
matter Strengthened Out.-R. NJ. DIHEL, Ser
geant, Co. A, 30th H., Washington, Iowa.